30th Anniversary cont'd Day 6 aka Irish Stud Farm/ Japanese gardens

Another day that started early in the AM, we got on the bus to head for the Irish Stud farm. On the same property as the stud farm is a very quaint Japanese garden. It was pretty interesting to see the horses, and the pampering they received.

No this is not the Irish stud. ;-)

The property is very tranquil and peaceful with fountains, plants and animals.

Artwork on the property to show their business

This is what a successful product is.  :-)

Some of the variety of foliage in the Japanese garden.

After finishing up at the stud farm we headed to Waterford, where the expensive beautiful crystal comes from. 

Church that we went through, nice stained glass and materials.

 One of many organs found throughout our trip.

And here we are at the Waterford Crystal factory.

And here is a mold for the shapes

 Here the worker is heating up the material, before a glass blower shapes it.

Here is a quality control station, lots get rejected and re fired.

 Here is a worker marking up a bowl, a cutter then gets the work.

 It takes 8 years to make a master cutter, the test is a timed event where they make every cut the company uses.

 Below are some samples that were in the work area and out on the showroom floor.

 Of course the national emblem is represented.

 Hi tech crystal for the fan boy who has everything.

Part 7 will follow where we head to Kilarney and castle Blarney.